Omeleto is proud to announce the official release of _“Ayo, Check Up!”_, a heartfelt and hard-hitting basketball short film premiering May 18, 2025. Executive produced by **NBA veterans Jeremy Lin and Craig “Rhino” Smith**, **NextShark founder Benny Luo**, and **four-time Oscar-qualified filmmaker Sy Huq**, and helmed by rising director **Nathan Xia**, the dramedy explores masculinity, mental health, and the healing power of competition.
The film made its **world premiere at the inaugural UNINTERRUPTED Film Festival**, powered by **LeBron James’ athlete-led media platform** and **Tribeca**, where it was celebrated for its raw authenticity and emotional impact. Since then, _“Ayo, Check Up!”_ has continued its festival run with official selections at **Urbanworld Film Festival**, **San Diego International Film Festival**, and **Ouray International Festival**.
Set on a neighborhood court, the film unpacks the fragile egos, internal battles, and unspoken emotions of everyday men who turn to basketball as an outlet. What starts as a trash-talk-fueled pickup game spirals into something resembling Game 7 of the NBA Finals — with buried frustrations boiling over in a powerful showdown of vulnerability and pride.
Unlike traditional sports films, _“Ayo, Check Up!”_ takes a ground-level approach, capturing the intimacy and intensity of streetball culture. With dynamic cinematography and a visceral flashback sequence, the film redefines what “Ball is Life” can mean — emotionally, mentally, and visually.
Director Nathan Xia was inspired by a personal moment of emotional vulnerability during a real-life game, which sparked a creative vision that drew the attention of high-profile champions of mental health and representation.
“Basketball has always been more than a game for me. It’s where I’ve worked through pressure, pain, and identity. _‘Ayo, Check Up!’_ captures how powerful the court can be — not just for competition, but for healing and mental health,” says executive producer Jeremy Lin. “I’m proud to support Nathan as a filmmaker telling stories that matter.”
With a powerhouse production team and support from platforms like **UNINTERRUPTED**, _“Ayo, Check Up!”_ is more than a sports film — it’s a mirror for modern masculinity, a celebration of community, and a rallying cry for emotional honesty.
**Watch the official release on Omeleto, May 18, 2025.**